MOSCOW, February 18. /TASS/. Moscow condemns the terrorist attack in Ankara and conveys condolences to the friends and families of the victims, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

"The Kremlin decisively condemns yesterday’s terrorist attack in Ankara and conveys condolences to the friends and families of the victims, wishes soonest recovery to those injured in this terrorist attack," Peskov said.

The Kremlin spokesman reminded that "at yesterday’s press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin said that in order to counter challenges that we face - it was voiced yesterday in the context of refugee flows (from the Middle East to Europe) - the problems at the origins of the crisis that we all see now in this region, should be solved first." Peskov noted that Putin was talking about "soonest liquidation of consequences of disintegration, destabilization of several countries, about ensuring their unity, stability and security." "The president particularly noted it requires defeating terrorism," the spokesman added.

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According to latest reports, at least 28 people were killed and 61 more injured in the powerful blast that hit the Turkish capital on Wednesday. Officials said a vehicle with explosives detonated as military buses were passing by. Some of the victims were civilians.

Earlier today the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to Turkish people over the terrorist attack in Ankara. "We express sincere sympathy to the friends and families of those killed. We wish soonest recovery to those injured in this horrific act," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The foreign ministry noted that "this barbaric crime cannot be justified." "Its organizers and orchestrators should be held accountable," the ministry said. "What happened once again shows the necessity of uniting all countries in fighting international terrorism," the foreign ministry concluded.